coolant leak
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 514
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From: ceres ca
St. Jude Donor '08
coolant leak
I've never changed the radiator in a late model C4. Early models were easy, I could do it in my sleep. Now my 95 has a slow drip from the radiator shroud, no hoses or plumbing appear to be leaking so it's radiator time again. About how much time should I give myself to change this one. Thanks in advance.
Randy
Randy
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Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Fort Knox, KY
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Just take particular care around the A/C lines. The lines and fittings are aluminum and easy to bend/break.
Once you get all the 10 mm bolts out alongside the shroud, it's not that hard of a job. Replace your hoses and thermostat, too, while you're at it.
Once you get all the 10 mm bolts out alongside the shroud, it's not that hard of a job. Replace your hoses and thermostat, too, while you're at it.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
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From: The Top of Utah
Originally Posted by arandy
no hoses or plumbing appear to be leaking so it's radiator time again.
RACE ON!!!
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,691
Likes: 71
From: Phoenix Arizona
No, the new radiators are not that expensive. As cheap as they've gotten, I seldom bother with repairs anymore (repair - $80, new $135). The plastic end you don't replace will crack soon, and negate any savings. JMO
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,691
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From: Phoenix Arizona
I was using Royal Radiator in Phoenix. Had to buy one in Omaha for my Blazer this spring
and they wanted $95 to replace one side or $130 for a new one. They were upset that I opted for new (their profit on the repair $70, their profit on new $25 appox). Check around, and you will find the prices will vary alot, you should find one for under $150. (AutoZone /Phx - $154)
and they wanted $95 to replace one side or $130 for a new one. They were upset that I opted for new (their profit on the repair $70, their profit on new $25 appox). Check around, and you will find the prices will vary alot, you should find one for under $150. (AutoZone /Phx - $154)
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,691
Likes: 71
From: Phoenix Arizona
Oops, I had checked on an 89, noticed you have a 95. Autozone /Phx $210 (I've seen their prices vary $20 or so between their stores in the Phx area
) On radiators I've always had better luck at the smaller shops (they all seem to get them from the same place anyway).
) On radiators I've always had better luck at the smaller shops (they all seem to get them from the same place anyway).
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,161
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From: Orangeburg, NY
Simple and straightforward job. Once you get the shroud off, it is quick and painless. Before you even start, spray some wd-40 on the transmission line bolts (if an automatic). by the time you remove the shroud and hoses, the transmission bolts shoul loosen easily. Before you put the new one in, now is the time to clean the a/c fins. Simple green does a great job of removing road grime. Start to finish, 1 1/2 hours.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,566
Likes: 4
From: Mt Laurel NJ
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
Check out the partsladi on Ebay, I think their price is 128.00 plus shipping.
Here is a link
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...6307109&rd=1,1
Here is a link
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...6307109&rd=1,1
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,307
Likes: 111
From: Tucson AZ
The rebuild/repair charge for my radiator was almost $100 with no guarantee and a new AC Delco radiator was $134. The Parts Ladi: 334-493-1240
To replace your radiator will take a couple of hours the first time, but then less than 20 min once you have done one.
To replace your radiator will take a couple of hours the first time, but then less than 20 min once you have done one.